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Nainoa Thompson, pwo (master) navigator and president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, today joined a panel discussion with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in celebration of His Holiness’s 80th birthday. The topic of discussion for the panel of inspiring leaders was The Significance of Education in Advancing Universal Human Values.

“I was honored and humbled to be invited to speak with His Holiness, one of my heroes and a true inspiration for our work aboard Hokulea as we travel around the world,” said Thompson. “We came together to celebrate his legacy of peace, kindness and universal compassion, and the true gift for his 80th birthday was the lesson he has offered all of us.”

Thompson acknowledged His Holiness as one of Earth’s greatest navigators and offered a gift of traditional Hawaiian oli (chant) by apprentice navigator Lehua Kamalu. Thompson then presented him with a maile lei he had carried from the Hawaiian islands.

The event was the final session of His Holiness’s three-day Global Compassion Summit at University of California, Irvine’s Bren Center on Tuesday, July 7 and took place at 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Thompson was one of 15 distinguished panelists to participate in the conversation.

The Dalai Lama blessed the Hokulea at Kualoa Park last year. Photo courtesy of Pillars of Peace

Thompson’s visit to the Global Compassion Summit marked a truly global moment for the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Worldwide Voyage today. Legendary voyaging canoe Hokulea is scheduled to arrive at Darwin, Australia, while sister canoe Hikianalia today returns home to Honolulu after a fruitful trip to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument with NOAA researchers and crew from The Nature Conservancy.

The Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage is taking the iconic sailing vessels Hokulea and her sister canoe Hikianalia across Hawaii and the Earth’s oceans to grow a global movement toward a more sustainable world.

The Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, began in Hawaiʻi in 2013 and will cover over 60,000 nautical miles, 100 ports, and 27 nations, including 12 of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites, through June 2017. The voyage seeks to engage all of Island Earth – practicing how to live sustainably while sharing Polynesian culture, learning from the past and from each other, creating global relationships, and discovering the wonders of the precious place we call home.

Last week I had the privilege to cover His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Hawaii. One thing you never ever want to do when covering an event like this… is to ask someone like this for a picture with him.

Many folks have asked if I got any pictures taken of me with him and I myself just felt blessed that he held my hand and I was invited to the event.

Then I started thinking about things and other photographers that were on hand and it turns out one of the best photographers in the State of Hawaii, Dallas Nagata White, was able to capture a picture of me sitting in the front row of the media section while we were given the opportunity to ask questions of His Holiness.

Yep... that's me on the far right in this picture wearing a Sig Zane shirt. Go figure... even His Holiness the Dalai Lama has more hair then me! (Photo courtesy of Dallas Nagata White)

I was invited yesterday for a private event held at Kualoa State Park on Oahu, where His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet blessed the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hokule’a canoe and then answered questions for invited media folks in Hawaii.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/B2Rz_Hz0Fn8]

His Holiness arrived at Kualoa Park today for a private blessing ceremony for the Hokule’a. As he was escorted to the blessing by Nainoa Thompson and John DeFries, the Dalai Lama was greeted by the sound of conch shells and chants. The Dalai Lama’s earth blessing led into the consecration of the Hokule’a. At the end of the ceremony, the Dalai Lama boarded the Hokule’a with his entourage. The Dalai Lama’s gift of a scarf was tied to the mast, drawing a close to the poignant blessing. (photos courtesy of Pilars of Peace)

Cy Bridges and other members the Hakipu’u Ohana perform a chant to welcome His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet to Kualoa Regional Park on Oahu.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet jokes with members of the Hokule’a Crew following the Earth Blessing and Consecration of the Hokule’a and the World Wide Voyage.

Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, takes in the Earth Blessing by His Holiness

The crew of the Hokule’a tie a Khata that was given to them by His Holiness to the mast of their canoe

After His Holiness did the blessing, he moved over to a tent where His Holiness fielded questions from the media that was invited… I almost tripped moving to my seat knowing he was coming so close to me!

[youtube=http://youtu.be/eiZ_t0wP6VI]

He spent about 30 minutes talking to reporters and I just kind of was stunned in amazement that I was sitting right across from him!

Here are some of the pictures I took during the question and answer period with His Holiness (Click for larger view):

Photo courtesy of Pillars of Peace

The Dalai Lama blessed the Hokulea at Kualoa Park last year. Photo courtesy of Pillars of Peace

The Hōkūle‘a being worked on. Picture courtesy of Pillars of Peace

Here is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet’s answer to a couple of the questions asked:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/haV-68S9FY8]

And a more serious question regarding the military presence here in the State of Hawaii:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/pSSDIhagJDA]

After the question and answer session… His Holiness actually held my hand for about five seconds!!!! I still haven’t washed my hand!

ABOUT HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA

His Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for Tibet and received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his “many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights and religious understanding.” He recently won the 2012 Templeton Prize for his work in spiritually relevant scientific research. Author of more than 72 books and the recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorates, His Holiness describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. For more information about the Dalai Lama, please visit: www.dalailama.com.

ABOUT THE HAWAI’I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

With 95 years of community service, the Hawai’i Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic institution in the state. The Foundation is a steward of more than 600 funds, including more than 160 scholarship funds, created by donors who desire to transform lives and improve communities. In 2011, more than $43 million in grants and contracts were distributed statewide. The Foundation also serves as a resource on community issues and trends in the nonprofit sector. Visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org for more information.

ABOUT PIERRE AND PAM OMIDYAR

Active philanthropists who are guided by their belief that people are inherently capable and basically good, Pierre and Pam Omidyar have committed more than $1 billion to help individuals improve their lives and ignite change across a variety of sectors and geographies. The Omidyars received the 2011 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of the lasting impact of their work and generosity. In 2009, Pierre and Pam made an historic $50 million commitment to the Hawai’i Community Foundation to establish the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, which is being used to launch several community initiatives. To learn more about the Omidyars’ commitment to Hawai’i and ongoing philanthropic interests around the world, go to www.pillarsofpeacehawaii.org/hosts.

This afternoon His Holiness The Dalai Lama held a cultural panel with Hawaiian leaders. Here are some pictures from that event.

A Hawaiian Cultural Panel “The Importance of Native Intelligence in Modern Times,” included Pualani Kanahele, Ph.D., master hula teacher and director of Hawaiian traditional knowledge research at Hawaii Community College.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet listens to a Hawaiian Cultural Panel entitled “The Importance of Native Intelligence in Modern Times.”

His Holiness thanks Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, following todays panel.

Nainoa Thompson presents His Holiness with a canoe paddle made of Koa Wood

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet greets Governor Neil Abercrombie and his wife, Dr. Nancie Caraway following the Hawaiian Cultural Panel

The Hawai’i Community Foundation has started an organization called the Pillars of Peace and it’s goal is to bring world leaders to Hawaii in the future for public talks about things that are going on in the world.

Ehunuikaimalino member Hero Wooching shares a moment with His Holiness on stage. (Photos courtesy of Pillars of Peace)

Ebay Founder Pierre Omidyar and his personal ties to His Holiness the Dalai Lama made it possible for the Dalai Lama to make his first visit to Hawaii since he was last here in Maui a few years back.

His Holiness greets Taimane Gardner after her electrifying ukulele performance

His Holiness is presented with a pu, or conch shell, an integral component of Hawaiian Culture, by Troy Kanuha

His Holiness talk with Princess Abigail Kawanakoa, the most direct descendant of the last queen of Hawaii, at Iolani Palace

His Holiness thanks a group of three and four-year-olds from Aha Punana Leo O Honolulu School. The Children performed “Hele Au,” a song about their school sung in the Hawaiian Language, to welcome His Holiness to the Bishop Museum

His Holiness presents a khata to Princess Kawanakoa

His Holiness tours the Bishop Museum with Board Chair Allison Gendreau (right) and his translator (left). His Holiness is wearing a lei of kou, or orange blossom, grown on the museum grounds.

His Holiness was presented with a Mahi’ole at the Bishop Museum. In olden times Mahi’ole were symbols of high rank.

Virginia Hinshaw, Chancellor of University of Hawaii at Manoa and Robert M. Witt, Executive Director of Hawaii Association of Independent Schools welcomes His Holiness to the Stan Sheriff Center for his talk to students, “Educating the Heart”.

Messages of peace and aloha will be shared online with audiences worldwide

The Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF) announced today that three Pillars of Peace Hawai’i events featuring Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, will be available for viewing via live stream. The events offered online will include a talk specifically for students on April 14th at 11:45 a.m. HAST, a panel on Native Hawaiian culture on April 15th at 9:45 a.m. HAST, and a presentation for the general public on April 15th at 11:45 a.m. HAST. Because of support received from www.DalaiLama.com, HCF is able to offer these live streams free of charge at www.PillarsofPeaceHawaii.org.These events are part of the Dalai Lama’s three-day visit to O’ahu (April 14-16) where he will participate in a series of conversations with local leaders and visits to cultural and historical sites on O’ahu.

Click Here for more information

“We will be streaming select events in real time so that people in Hawai’i and around the world have the opportunity to experience these extraordinary events as they unfold,” said Kelvin Taketa, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Community Foundation.

Talks to be offered online include:

Saturday, April 14 — Student Talk, “Educating the Heart”

Live stream starts: 11:45 a.m. HAST

Dalai Lama talk starts: 1:30 p.m. HAST

This event is for high school and college students and is focused on encouraging compassionate behavior in Hawai’i’s youth. His Holiness will discuss with Hawai’i students the importance of practicing tolerance, perseverance and persistence in everyday life. The event will also feature musical performances with messages on peace from Jack Johnson, Taimane Gardner, Anuhea Jenkins and more. Very limited tickets for the Student Talk are still available, please contact the University of Hawai’i Stan Sheriff Center Box Office at 808-956-4482.

His Holiness will participate in a panel discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders, including Dr. Pualani Kanahele and Nainoa Thompson. Panelists will consider the positive contributions of wisdom found in Hawaiian and other native cultures and explore Hawai’i’s potential for global leadership. The discussion will be moderated by John DeFries. This event is only available to the general public via the live webcast.

Sunday, April 15 — Public Talk, “Advancing Peace through the Power of Aloha”

Live stream starts: 11:45 a.m. HAST

Dalai Lama talk starts: 1:30 p.m. HAST

His Holiness will speak to the general public about the role of peace and compassion in daily life – aiming to spark discussion and dialogue in the community. The event will include musical performances with messages on peace from Michael McDonald, Amy Hānaiali`i and Henry Kapono, to name a few. Due to the enthusiastic response to this appearance by His Holiness, tickets for the Public Talk are no longer available.

The Dalai Lama’s visit marks the launch of a new HCF initiative entitled “Pillars of Peace Hawai’i: Building Peace on a Foundation of Aloha.” The program, supported by the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, aims to bring global peace leaders to Hawai’i to exchange ideas about the many forms of peace that exist here at home in Hawai’i and around the world. The Dalai Lama is visiting O’ahu at the invitation of Pierre and Pam Omidyar. Support is being provided by a lead grant from the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund in addition to other partners providing in-kind and cash donations.

ABOUT HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMAHis Holiness the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for Tibet and received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his “many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights and religious understanding.” He recently won the 2012 Templeton Prize for his work in spiritually relevant scientific research. Author of more than 72 books and the recipient of numerous awards and honorary doctorates, His Holiness describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. For more information about the Dalai Lama, please visit: www.dalailama.com.ABOUT THE HAWAI’I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

With 95 years of community service, the Hawai’i Community Foundation is the leading philanthropic institution in the state. The Foundation is a steward of more than 600 funds, including more than 160 scholarship funds, created by donors who desire to transform lives and improve communities. In 2011, more than $43 million in grants and contracts were distributed statewide. The Foundation also serves as a resource on community issues and trends in the nonprofit sector. Visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org for more information.

ABOUT PIERRE AND PAM OMIDYAR

Active philanthropists who are guided by their belief that people are inherently capable and basically good, Pierre and Pam Omidyar have committed more than $1 billion to help individuals improve their lives and ignite change across a variety of sectors and geographies. The Omidyars received the 2011 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of the lasting impact of their work and generosity. In 2009, Pierre and Pam made an historic $50 million commitment to the Hawai’i Community Foundation to establish the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, which is being used to launch several community initiatives. To learn more about the Omidyars’ commitment to Hawai’i and ongoing philanthropic interests around the world, go to www.pillarsofpeacehawaii.org/hosts.